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Alcohol Detox Regime

Alcohol detox involves two phases: acute detox, in which the body purges the alcohol and recovers from the physical dependence on the drug, and rehabilitation in which the patient learns to manage and cope with the mental addiction to alcohol. Detox can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Acute detox (with the associated withdrawal symptoms) usually lasts an average of three to seven days. Rehabilitation can last anywhere from several weeks to a lifetime.

  1. In-patient or Outpatient

    • The regime associated with alcohol detox differs depending on whether you chose in-patient or outpatient detox. In-patient detox programs last an average of six weeks, with the first three to seven days devoted to acute detox. There are many benefits associated with in-patient detox, including 24- hour medical supervision and care during the period of acute detox, and the presence of therapists during rehabilitation. If you wish to undergo outpatient detox, you will usually need 24-hour support and supervision during the period of acute detox, in order to ensure your safety during the withdrawal process and to prevent you access to alcohol.

    Acute Detox

    • Acute detox is the process most people think of when they think of detox--the period during which the alcohol leaves the body, your body is purged of toxins and your body is forced to cope without the alcohol it has come to depend on. This period lasts approximately three to seven days. After about 12 to 24 hours, most patients begin to feel irritable and anxious. This irritability may be accompanied by an upset stomach, insomnia, and anorexia. After approximately 24 hours, visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations may begin. After 24 to 48 hours, some patients experience seizures and convulsions. After 48 to 72 hours, visual hallucinations may become worse, and patients may experience delirium, hypertension and disorientation. Symptoms usually peak at five days, and dissipate after an average of seven days.

    Support

    • Drug therapy may be used to support patients during acute detox. Drugs include beta blockers, carbamazepine, benzodiazepine, phenytonin, haloperiodl, and clonidine. After acute detox, talk therapy is usually recommended. This can include meetings, group therapy, one-on-one therapy and/or family therapy, depending on the situation. Therapy can be on an in-patient or outpatient basis. Some patients continue to attend meetings for many years after the withdrawal period to manage addiction, while other patients eventually become able to manage the addiction on their own.

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